The Office of National Security (ONS) has revealed that more than 80 foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, Malawians, Kenyans, and Angolans, were arrested during recent security operations in Kenema.

The National Coordinator of ONS, Abdulai Caulker, disclosed this during a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in Freetown.

Caulker emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Sierra Leone, ensuring that citizens can conduct their daily activities without hindrance.

He dismissed criticism regarding the operations, clarifying that the security forces are focused on targeting individuals engaged in illegal activities and foreigners operating outside the country’s laws.

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“There is a constitution in the country that everybody must abide by,” Caulker asserted, underlining the importance of upholding the rule of law.

Inspector General of Police William Fayai Sellu also addressed the media, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Sierra Leone and neighboring countries to tackle cross-border crimes.

He noted that the Guinean Ambassador to Sierra Leone had recently visited him to discuss critical security issues, with a similar visit expected from the Nigerian Ambassador.

Sellu revealed that 20 Nigerians are currently in police custody for various illegal activities.

Additionally, he disclosed that 113 Guineans involved in fraudulent Qnet online schemes were arrested and subsequently repatriated to Guinea in collaboration with the Guinean Embassy.

As part of efforts to bolster security in Freetown, Sellu outlined technological advancements, including the deployment of 36 surveillance cameras across key locations in the city under the “Smart TV” project initiated by President Julius Maada Bio. These cameras are designed to monitor and deter illegal activities, contributing to the overall stability of the capital.

The police have also integrated drones into their operations to enhance situational awareness and improve response times. Additionally, a GPS tracking system has been implemented to monitor police vehicle movements, ensuring greater operational efficiency.

“Our focus is to identify and address gray areas that pose security risks, especially after the August 10 incident,” Sellu stated, adding that the Police Community Relations Department is using public address systems to disseminate security information across the Western Area.